Things to do in Scottsdale in December

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

December is a good time to visit Scottsdale. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 43—67°F (6—19°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Scottsdale during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, take a desert jeep tour, visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and more!

Scottsdale has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Scottsdale. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Scottsdale in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Scottsdale? See our Scottsdale Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Scottsdale without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Scottsdale in December

Top experiences in December
Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
December is an ideal time to explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with its miles of hiking and biking trails. The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable, and the desert landscape is particularly beautiful at this time of year. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
Take a desert jeep tour
December is a great time to take a desert jeep tour and explore the rugged terrain surrounding Scottsdale. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you can venture off-road to discover hidden canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and stunning panoramic views. The thrill of off-roading combined with the natural beauty of the desert makes this a unique and exhilarating experience.
Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
December is a great time to visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which features thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging contemporary art installations. The museum's diverse collection includes works by local, national, and international artists, providing a unique opportunity to explore the world of contemporary art in a dynamic and inspiring setting.
Attend the Scottsdazzle holiday event
Throughout December, Scottsdale hosts a variety of holiday events as part of the Scottsdazzle celebration. From tree lighting ceremonies to outdoor ice skating, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. The city also features a holiday market, live performances, and a Santa Wine Around event, making it a magical destination for the holiday season.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert
December in Scottsdale offers perfect weather for a hot air balloon ride over the stunning Sonoran Desert. As the sun rises, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape, with the chance to spot wildlife and take in the peaceful surroundings. This unique experience provides a memorable way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
I'll never travel to Scottsdale without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Scottsdale in December
December

There are no holidays in Scottsdale in December

Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Scottsdale without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Scottsdale in December

Temperatures on an average day in Scottsdale in December

The average temperature in Scottsdale in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 67°F (19°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Scottsdale, July, has days with highs of 107°F (41°C) and lows of 80°F (27°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Scottsdale in December based on historical data.

Visiting Scottsdale? See our Scottsdale Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in December
67°F
highs
43°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
11%
Chance of rain
0.038 in
Amount
10.9 mph
Wind speed
37%
Humidity
10.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:23 AM
Sunrise
5:21 PM
Sunset
62%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 67°F (19°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
I'll never travel to Scottsdale without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Scottsdale in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Scottsdale has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Scottsdale that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Scottsdale for December.
Old Town Scottsdale
1. Old Town Scottsdale
Neighborhoods
Taliesin West
2. Taliesin West
4.7
(1823)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Tours are offered of Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, now a campus for an architecture school.
Butterfly Wonderland
3. Butterfly Wonderland
4.6
(6377)
Outdoor Activities
Wildlife park
Indoor, interactive rainforest habitat housing thousands of butterflies, plus a cafe & gift shop.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
4. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
4.8
(6070)
Park
Water & Amusement Parks
Complex with miniature train rides, jungle gyms & a 10,000-sq.-ft. model railroad display.
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
5. Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
4.8
(2078)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Trailhead accessing several hiking & biking trails that vary in skill level & offer scenic views.
Pinnacle Peak Park
6. Pinnacle Peak Park
4.8
(1499)
Park
Nature & Parks
A trail allows visitors to hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak & those with experience may rock climb.
OdySea Aquarium
7. OdySea Aquarium
4.5
(15563)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Huge aquarium featuring dramatic exhibits of marine life, plus a 3D movie & interactive experiences.
Talking Stick Resort
8. Talking Stick Resort
4.3
(21902)
Resort hotel
Fun & Games
High-end modern resort with pools, dining & a spa, plus golf, a casino & live entertainment.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
9. Scottsdale Fashion Square
4.5
(17581)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Upscale, contemporary shopping complex with 200+ brand-name stores, restaurants & a movie theater.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
10. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
4.7
(1157)
Art museum
Museums
City-owned museum celebrating the American West with paintings, crafts, artifacts & theater events.
Scottsdale Stadium
11. Scottsdale Stadium
4.5
(1320)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home to the San Francisco Giants for spring training & the Scottsdale Scorpions for fall baseball.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
12. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
4.6
(3974)
Baseball field
Fun & Games
Spring training home of baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies that also hosts events.
Tom's Thumb Trail
13. Tom's Thumb Trail
4.9
(24)
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Open year-round, this rugged out & back hiking trail with scenic desert views welcomes leashed dogs.
Penske Racing Museum
14. Penske Racing Museum
4.7
(849)
Museum
Specialty Museums
More than a dozen Penske team race cars plus medals & memorabilia are on display at this museum.
Cosanti Originals
15. Cosanti Originals
4.6
(489)
Art gallery
Sights & Landmarks
Imaginative outdoor studio & gallery of architect/sculptor/wind-chime designer Paolo Soleri.
Dolphinaris Arizona
16. Dolphinaris Arizona
3.9
(643)
Foundation
Outdoor Activities
Modern marine habitat offering viewing tanks & open-air pools where visitors can swim with dolphins.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Scottsdale?

Get inspired for your trip to Scottsdale with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Scottsdale?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play